JP2018117925A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope having a configuration capable of preventing rotation of a second knob without deteriorating the operability of the second knob when rotating the first knob clockwise. SOLUTION: An insertion portion, an operation portion, a knob for bending operation, a second knob, and a protrusion provided on a moving member 30 which moves back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction N with rotation of the second knob. It has a protrusion 41 that elastically contacts between the portion 31 and the convex portion 31, and the convex portion 31 has a second knob in a state where the protrusion 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N so that the force required to move in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the force required to move in the moving direction N1. .. [Selection diagram] Fig. 6

Description

  According to the present invention, the operation portion is provided with a first knob for bending the bending portion provided in the insertion portion, and a second knob for operating a portion other than the bending portion in the insertion portion. It relates to an endoscope.

  In recent years, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. An endoscope can perform observation, treatment, and the like of a region to be examined in a subject by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the subject.

  Further, a configuration in which a bending portion that can be bent in a plurality of directions, for example, is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope is well known.

  The bending portion improves the progress of the insertion portion at the bending portion in the duct, and the observation direction of the observation optical system, which is an optical component provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion on the distal side of the bending portion. Is variable.

  The bending portion is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion and is rotated on the outer surface of the operation portion around the rotation axis that intersects with the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion in the operation portion that is gripped by the operator. A bending operation knob, which is a first knob composed of two, is configured to be bendable in any of four directions, up, down, left, and right, by being rotated by an operator.

  It should be noted that the bending operation knob may be configured so that the bending portion can be bent in either one of the two upper and lower directions or the two left and right directions.

  Further, the bending operation knob is rotated by, for example, the thumb of the left hand of the operator holding the operation unit.

  Note that the rotation operation range in which the bending operation knob is operated by the left thumb of the operator is determined in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal axis direction) in consideration of ergonomic finger movement. About 30 ° to 150 °.

  Here, in Patent Document 1, the bending operation knob on the outer surface of the operation portion and the insertion portion so as to rotate coaxially with the bending operation knob at a position adjacent to the rotation axis of the bending operation knob. An endoscope configuration in which a second knob for operating a portion other than the bending portion is provided in the operation portion is disclosed.

  In addition, as a 2nd knob, the mechanism which changes the flexibility of an insertion part, the mechanism which switches the length which a bending part curves, and the optical characteristic of the observation optical system provided in the front end side of an insertion part are switched. Examples thereof include a knob for operating either the mechanism or a mechanism for raising the treatment instrument raising base at the distal end of the endoscope.

  In addition, the second knob is provided coaxially with the bending operation knob, so that the productivity can be improved and the production cost can be reduced. Further, the second knob can be rotated by the left thumb of the operator who operates the bending operation knob. This is because the operability of the second knob is better when it is operated.

  Even if the second knob is provided coaxially with the bending operation knob, the second operation knob rotates unintentionally together with the bending operation knob due to friction or the like as the bending operation knob rotates. It is configured not to end up.

JP 2013-34547 A

  Here, the movable range of the second knob is a direction along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion (hereinafter referred to as the following) when considering the ergonomic hand movement and not overlapping with the turning position of the bending operation knob. A first position at an angle (20 ° to 30 °) close to the longitudinal axis direction, and a second position at an angle (40 ° to 60 °) close to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction. Is defined in between.

  That is, the second position is located within the turning operation range of the bending operation knob, but the first position is located outside the turning operation range of the bending operation knob.

  Therefore, when the bending thumb is rotated counterclockwise around the rotation axis as viewed from the direction toward the knob by the operator's thumb, the left thumb is positioned at the first position. It won't get caught in the knob. That is, the second knob does not move counterclockwise from the first position to the second position.

  However, when the bending operation knob is rotated clockwise around the rotation axis when viewed from the direction toward the knob, the thumb of the left hand is caught by the second knob located at the second position, which is not intended. The second knob moves in the clockwise direction from the second position to the first position, that is, rotates around, causing the mechanism associated with the unintentional rotation of the second knob to function. There was a problem such as.

  Note that the above problem is that, particularly when the second knob operation element is located between a plurality of irregularities formed along the outer periphery of the bending operation knob, the thumb becomes the second knob operation element. Because it becomes easy to catch, it is easy to happen.

  Further, the above problem is the same when the second knob is provided non-coaxially with the bending operation knob and both are operated with the same finger of the operator.

  In view of such a problem, a configuration in which the amount of operation force of the second knob is increased is conceivable, but in such a configuration, the second knob is not easily hooked from the first position to the second position counterclockwise. Even in the case of rotating the second knob, the amount of operation force is increased, so that the operability of the second knob is lowered, which is not preferable.

  In addition, a configuration in which the second knob is provided at a position away from the bending operation knob in the operation unit is also conceivable, but even in this configuration, the second knob must be operated with a finger different from the conventional one. Therefore, the operability of the second knob is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems and circumstances, and prevents the second knob from being rotated without reducing the operability of the second knob when the first knob is rotated clockwise. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope having a configuration that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention has a distal end and a proximal end along a longitudinal axis, and an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject from the distal end side, and the insertion portion Provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion and rotated on the outer surface of the operation portion around a rotation axis intersecting with the longitudinal axis. A first knob for bending the bent portion, and a rotation at a position adjacent to the first knob and the direction along the rotation axis about the rotation axis, and at the insertion portion A second knob for operating a portion other than the bending portion, and a moving member that moves back and forth in the direction along the longitudinal axis as the second knob rotates in the operation portion; A convex portion having a shape protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis, and the convex portion A projection protruding from a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis within a range moving in the direction along the longitudinal axis and elastically contacting with the convex portion, and the second knob is the longitudinal axis A direction in which the convex portion moves when rotating from a first position having an angle close to the direction along the first axis to a second position having an angle close to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis is defined as the first moving direction. When the direction in which the convex portion moves when the two knobs rotate from the second position to the first position is defined as the second movement direction, the convex portion or the projection is the projection and the convex portion. When the second knob is in contact with the part, the force required to move in the second moving direction is greater than the force required to move the second knob in the first moving direction. Have an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis. To have.

  According to the present invention, an endoscope having a configuration capable of preventing the second knob from rotating without reducing the operability of the second knob when the first knob is rotated clockwise. Can be provided.

The figure which shows the endoscope of 1st Embodiment. The figure which expands and shows the state which hold | gripped the operation part of the endoscope of FIG. 1 with the left hand of the operator The figure which shows the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob operated with the thumb of the left hand of the operator holding the operation part of FIG. The figure which shows the movable range of the 2nd knob operated with the thumb of the left hand of the operator holding the operation part of FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the operation unit of FIG. 2 together with the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob of FIG. 3 and the movable range of the second knob of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the area | region enclosed with the dotted line in the holding part of the operation part in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the area | region enclosed with the dotted line in the holding part of the operation part in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of FIG. The amount of force with respect to the rotation angle from the second position to the first position of the second knob of the endoscope in the second embodiment is the same as when the inclination angle of the surface of the convex portion that the protrusion contacts changes. Chart compared with case The figure which shows schematically the initial position of the processus | protrusion which contacts the surface of a convex part, when moving a 2nd knob from a 2nd position to a 1st position. The figure which shows roughly the position of the protrusion which contacts the surface of a convex part when moving the moving member of FIG. 9 to the 2nd moving direction N2 rather than FIG. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 6 in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 3rd Embodiment. The figure which expands and shows the site | part of the moving member enclosed with the XIII line of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 6 in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 6 in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 5th Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 5th Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 6 in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of the endoscope of 6th Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagram illustrating a state where an operation unit of the endoscope illustrated in FIG. 1 is gripped by an operator's left hand.

  3 is a diagram showing a rotation operation range of the bending operation knob operated by the thumb of the left hand of the operator holding the operation unit in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an operator holding the operation unit in FIG. It is a figure which shows the movable range of the 2nd knob operated by thumb of left hand.

  5 schematically shows the operation unit of FIG. 2 together with the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob of FIG. 3 and the movable range of the second knob of FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in a region surrounded by a dotted line in the grip portion of the operation portion at a second position of the knob of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is a first position of the second knob of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the area | region enclosed with the dotted line in the holding part of the operation part in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 has a distal end and a proximal end along a longitudinal axis J, an insertion portion 2 that is inserted into a subject from the distal end side, and a base of the insertion portion 2. And an operation unit 6 provided on the end side and held and operated by an operator.

  The endoscope 1 also includes a universal cord 7 extended from the operation unit 6 and a connector 8 provided at the extended end of the universal cord 7.

  Since the connector 8 can be connected to a known light source device (not shown), a video processor, or the like, the endoscope 1 can be connected to a peripheral device.

  The insertion portion 2 includes a distal end portion 3, a bending portion 4, and a flexible tube portion 5 in order from the distal end side, and a main portion is configured.

  The bending portion 4 is operated to bend in four directions, for example, up, down, left, and right by bending operation knobs 11 and 12 (see FIG. 2) that are first knobs provided in the operation portion 6. It is provided between the flexible tube 5. The bending portion 4 may have a configuration that can be bent in two directions, up and down or left and right, with one bending operation knob.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 6 is gripped by the belly of the left hand L of the operator and the middle finger LN, ring finger LM, and little finger LK on the exterior member of the operation unit 6 on the insertion unit 2 side in the longitudinal axis direction N. A gripping portion 6h is provided. Various operation switches, knobs, levers, and knobs are provided in a region closer to the base end side than the grip portion 6 h of the operation unit 6.

  In addition, a switch box 47 is provided at an end of the operation unit 6 that is separated from the insertion unit 2 in the longitudinal axis direction N.

  On the surface of the switch box 47 on the side of the universal cord 7, for example, a release switch button 21 for instructing recording of an image taken by an imaging device (not shown) provided in the distal end portion 3, for example, an optical component in the imaging device described above And a zoom switch button 22 for switching the optical characteristics. The zoom switch button 22 may have the function of the second knob 16 described later.

  The switch buttons 21 and 22 are operated by the thumb LO of the left hand L when the base of the universal cord 7 is gripped by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG.

  Further, on the upper surface of the switch box 47, for example, a power switch button 23 for turning on / off the power of the endoscope 1 is provided. Furthermore, for example, an iris switch button 24 for changing the photometric method is provided on the surface of the switch box 47 opposite to the surface on which the switch buttons 21 and 22 are provided.

  Note that the switch buttons 23 and 24 are operated by the index finger LH of the left hand L when the operation unit 6 is held by the operator as shown in FIG.

  Further, the operation unit 6 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the gripping portion 6 h and on the distal end side with respect to the switch box 47, adjacent to the surface on which the bending operation knobs 11 and 12 are provided, and on the distal end side with respect to the switch button 24. On this surface, for example, a freeze switch button 28 for instructing the still image captured by the imaging unit, a known air / water supply operation switch button 26, and a suction operation switch button 27 are provided.

  The freeze switch button 28, the air / water supply operation switch button 26, and the suction operation switch button 27 are operated by the index finger LH and the middle finger LN when the operation unit 6 is held by the operator as shown in FIG.

  Further, the operation unit 6 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the gripping portion 6h and the distal end side with respect to the switch box 47, the surface on which the switch buttons 21 and 22 are provided, the surface on which the switch button 23 is provided, and the switch Bending operation knobs 11 and 12 for bending operation of the bending portion 4 are provided on a surface adjacent to the surface on which the button 24 is provided.

  The bending operation knob 11 rotates on the outer surface 6g of the operation unit 6 around a rotation axis (not shown) that intersects the longitudinal axis J, and is rotated by the operator to bend the bending unit 4 in the vertical direction. Is a knob to be played. Further, the bending operation knob 11 is configured such that the rotation position is fixed by the operation of the rotation position fixing lever 14.

  The bending operation knob 12 is provided on the side coaxial with the bending operation knob 11 and spaced from the outer surface 6 g along the rotation axis of the bending operation knob 11, and is centered on the same rotation axis as the bending operation knob 11. It is a knob that is turned and rotated to bend the bending portion 4 in the left-right direction. Further, the bending operation knob 12 is configured such that the rotation position is fixed by the operation of the rotation position fixing knob 13.

  The bending operation knobs 11 and 12 are rotated by the thumb LO when the operation unit 6 is held by the left hand L of the operator as shown in FIG.

  When the operation unit 6 is held by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG. 2, the bending operation knob 11 is operated by the thumb LO of the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG. 3. O is set in a range of an angle β1 = 30 ° to an angle β2 = 150 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis J in consideration of ergonomic finger movement.

  Further, in the direction along the rotation axis of the bending operation knob 11, the bending operation knob 11 rotates around the rotation axis of the bending operation knob 11 to a position adjacent to the outer surface 6 g side, and in the insertion portion 2. A second knob 16 for operating a portion other than the bending portion 4 is provided.

  The second knob 16 includes, for example, a mechanism that changes the flexibility of the insertion portion 2, a mechanism that switches the bending length of the bending portion 4, and a mechanism that switches the optical characteristics of the optical components in the imaging apparatus described above. It is used to operate any one of the mechanisms for raising the treatment instrument raising base at the distal end of the endoscope.

  The second knob 16 is also rotated by the thumb LO when the operation unit 6 is held by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the maximum diameter R3 from the rotation center of the second knob 16 is the maximum diameter R1 from the rotation center of the bending operation knob 11 and the maximum diameter R3 so that the thumb LO can be easily rotated. It is preferably set between the small diameter R2 (R2 <R1 <R3). This is because when the operator of the second knob 16 is located in the region surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line X, it is easier to rotate the thumb LO.

  Further, the second knob 16 has an ergonomic range in which the movable range Q operated by the thumb LO of the left hand L of the operator when the operation unit 6 is gripped by the left hand L of the operator as shown in FIG. The first position P1 with an angle α1 = 20 ° to 30 ° close to the longitudinal axis direction N from the longitudinal axis J is considered in consideration of how the fingers move at Is defined between the second position P2 and an angle α2 = 40 ° to 60 ° close to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction N, and is rotatable in the counterclockwise direction M1 and the clockwise direction M2. ing.

  That is, the second position P2 is located within the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11, but the first position P1 is located outside the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a moving member 30 that moves back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction N as the second knob 16 rotates is provided in the operation unit 6. In addition, as the moving member 30, the elongate rod comprised from the hard member is mentioned, for example.

  Further, in the region surrounded by the dotted line E as shown in FIG. 5 in the gripping part 6h of the operation part 6, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the moving member 30 is moved in the direction C intersecting the longitudinal axis J. A protruding portion 31 having a protruding shape is provided.

  In addition, the convex part 31 is comprised from the large diameter part from which the part of the longitudinal axis direction N of the rod which comprises the moving member 30 became thick. Moreover, the convex part 31 which is a large diameter part in which a part of the longitudinal axis direction N of the rod (moving member 30) is thick may be formed integrally with the rod (moving member 30). For example, a hole may be provided in the central portion so that it can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of 30), and the thickness may be formed, for example, as a separate barrel-shaped member that gradually changes in thickness in the longitudinal axis direction N.

  Furthermore, in the gripping part 6h of the operation part 6, the area surrounded by the dotted line E as shown in FIG. 5 is within the range in which the convex part 31 moves in the longitudinal axis direction N as shown in FIGS. A protrusion 41 having, for example, an arc-shaped contact surface that protrudes from the direction C and elastically contacts with the convex portion 31 is provided on the support member 40 of the protrusion 41.

  The protrusion 41 is made of, for example, an elastic member. Contrary to the above, the protrusion 41 is made of a hard member and the moving member 30 is made of a flexible member, so that the protrusion 41 elastically contacts with the convex portion 31. It may be a configuration. Further, the support member 40 may be configured by a member having flexibility, so that the protrusion 41 may elastically contact with the convex portion 31.

Here, the direction in which the convex portion 31 moves when the second knob 16 rotates in the counterclockwise direction M1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is defined as the first moving direction N1. When the direction in which the convex portion 31 moves when the knob 16 rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is defined as the second movement direction N2, the convex portions 31 are convex at the respective positions P1 and P2. The portion 31 is in contact with the protrusion 41, and the second movement direction N2, that is, the timepiece, is greater than the amount of force required to move the second knob 16 in the first movement direction N1, that is, the counterclockwise direction M1. It has an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N so that the amount of force required when moving in the circumferential direction M2 becomes larger.
Further, the movable range of the second knob is restricted by a stopper (not shown) so as not to move in the M1 direction when the second knob 16 is at the position P2 and in the M2 direction when the second knob 16 is at the position P1.

  In addition, it is preferable that it is 5-10N as an example of force required when moving the vertex part (the outermost side of the 2nd knob 16) of the 2nd knob 16 in the 1st moving direction N1, An example of the amount of force required to move the second knob 16 in the second movement direction N2 is preferably 15 to 25N, and it is desirable that there is a difference of 10N or more between the two.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the convex portion 31 is formed with slopes having different shapes on the front surface 32 in the longitudinal axis direction N and the proximal surface 33. Or the chamfer part of a different shape is formed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the convex portion 31 has a longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 32 that is a portion with which the protrusion 41 contacts when moving in the second movement direction N2 from the second position P2. Is formed to be larger than the angle θ2 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 33, which is a portion that the protrusion 41 contacts when moving in the first movement direction N1 from the first position P1 (θ1>). θ2).

  Note that θ1 is preferably an angle of 1.3 times or more of θ2. As specific examples, θ1 = 50 ° to 75 °, θ2 = 40 ° to 50 °, and more preferable examples include θ1 of approximately 60 ° and θ2 of approximately 45 °.

  Accordingly, when the second knob 16 is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or when the second knob 16 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the convex portion 31 is obtained. Since the moving member 30 moves in the first moving direction N1 or the second moving direction N2 while the protrusion 41 is in contact with the protrusion 41, the protrusion 41 is elastically deformed by the contact surface 32 or the surface 33.

  At this time, since the surface 32 and the surface 33 are formed in different inclined shapes or chamfered shapes, the force for deforming the protrusion 41 is different between the first movement direction N1 and the second movement direction N2.

  In other words, the reaction force received by the protrusion 31 from the protrusion 41 is different between the first movement direction N1 and the second movement direction N2 (H1> H2).

  Specifically, since the surface 32 is formed at a larger inclination angle than the surface 33, a force that deforms the projection 41 by the surface 32 (reaction force H <b> 1 that the surface 32 receives from the projection 41) is caused by the surface 33. Since the force that deforms the protrusion 41 (reaction force H2 that the surface 33 receives from the protrusion 41) is larger (H1> H2), the force that deforms the protrusion 41, that is, the reaction force that the convex portion 31 receives from the protrusion 41 is The second movement direction N2 is larger than the first movement direction N1.

  That is, the amount of force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is greater than the second knob 16 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It becomes larger than the amount of force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1.

  Since the other configurations of the endoscope 1 are the same as those in the prior art, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the moving member 30 that moves back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction N with the rotation of the second knob 16 provided in the operation unit 6 is surrounded by the dotted line E in FIG. In the part located in the region, the front side (front end side) surface 32 in the longitudinal axis direction N and the base end side surface 33 are formed with differently shaped inclinations or chamfered portions with different shapes. It was shown that the convex part 31 was formed.

  Specifically, the angle θ1 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 32 is formed to be larger than the angle θ2 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 33 (θ1> θ2).

  Further, the surface 32 is a portion where the protrusion 41 contacts when the second knob 16 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and the surface 33 is the second knob 16 that connects the first knob 16 to the first position P1. It has been shown that the protrusion 41 is a portion that contacts when rotated from the position P1 to the second position P2.

  According to this, the force that deforms the protrusion 41 by the surface 32 (reaction force H1 that the surface 32 receives from the protrusion 41) is the force that deforms the protrusion 41 by the surface 33 (the reaction force H2 that the surface 33 receives from the protrusion 41). Therefore, the reaction force that the surfaces 32, 33 receive from the deformation of the protrusion 41 is the second movement direction N2 when the second knob 16 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Becomes larger than the first moving direction N1 when the second knob 16 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

  Therefore, the amount of force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is greater than the second knob 16 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It becomes larger than the amount of force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1.

  Accordingly, when the operator rotates the bending operation knob 11 in the clockwise direction M2 with the thumb LO of the left hand L, the operator is positioned at the second position P2 within the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11. Even if the thumb LO is hooked on the second knob 16, the second knob 16 is difficult to rotate in the second movement direction N 2, that is, the clockwise direction M 2. 16 is not rotated together with the bending operation knob 11 in the clockwise direction M2.

  Further, the second knob 16 positioned at the first position P1 outside the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11 is moved toward the second position P2 in the first movement direction N1, that is, the counterclockwise direction M1. Since the amount of force for moving the second knob 16 is smaller than that in the clockwise direction M2, the second knob 16 can be rotated in the clockwise direction M1 as in the prior art.

  From the above, when the bending operation knob 11 is rotated in the clockwise direction M2, the endoscope having a configuration that can prevent the second knob 16 from rotating without deteriorating the operability of the second knob 16. 1 can be provided.

(Second Embodiment)

  FIG. 8 shows the amount of force with respect to the rotation angle from the second position to the first position of the second knob of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, when the inclination angle of the surface of the convex portion with which the protrusion contacts changes. It is the chart compared with and a fixed case.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an initial position of a protrusion that contacts the surface of the convex portion when the second knob is moved from the second position to the first position, and FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the position of the protrusion which contacts the surface of a convex part when moving the moving member of FIG. 9 to the 2nd moving direction N2 rather than FIG.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the second embodiment differs from the endoscope according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 in the shape of the surface 32 of the convex portion 31. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, also in the present embodiment, the convex portion 31 moves the second knob 16 in the first movement direction N1 in a state where the projection 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N so that the amount of force required when moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the amount of force required at that time.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the convex portion 31 is formed to have different shapes of inclination on the front side (tip side) surface 32 and the base side surface 33 in the longitudinal axis direction N. Has been. More specifically, the surface 32 is formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc. Therefore, the reaction force H3 that the surface 32 receives from the protrusion 41 is set to be larger than the reaction force H2 that the surface 33 receives from the protrusion 41 (H3> H2).

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

  With this configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the second knob 16 is rotated in the clockwise direction M2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. When the protrusion 41 moves in the second movement direction N2 in a state where the projection 41 is in contact with the surface 32 formed in an arcuate shape, the convex portion protrudes in the second movement direction N2 from FIG. 9 to FIG. The inclination of the surface 32 decreases in the direction in which the 31 moves.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the force when the second knob 16 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1 is increased by the initial force amount without increasing the maximum force amount. be able to.

(Third embodiment)

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 in the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the present embodiment. FIG. 13 schematically shows a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 7 in the first position of the second knob of the endoscope of FIG. 13, and FIG. 13 is a portion of the moving member surrounded by the XIII line of FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the third embodiment includes the endoscope according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and the endoscope according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. The shape of the surface 32 of the convex part 31 is different from that of the mirror. Therefore, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 11-13, also in this Embodiment, the convex part 31 moves the 2nd knob 16 in the 1st moving direction N1 in the state which the protrusion 41 and the convex part 31 contacted. It has an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N so that the amount of force required when moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the amount of force required at that time.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the surface 32 includes two surfaces 32a and 32b that are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N and have different angles θ5 and θ6 (θ5> θ6).

  Further, the angle θ5 of the surface 32a is formed larger than the angle θ2 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 33 (θ5> θ2). Therefore, the reaction force H4 that the surface 32a receives from the protrusion 41 is set to be larger than the reaction force H2 that the surface 33 receives from the protrusion 41 (H4> H2).

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

  With such a configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the second knob 16 is rotated in the clockwise direction M2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. When the protrusion 41 moves in the second movement direction N2 in contact with the surface 32 constituted by the surfaces 32a and 32b, the protrusion 41 protrudes from the surface 32a to the surface 32b in the second movement direction N2. In the direction in which 31 moves, the inclination of the surface 32 decreases, and increases by the initial strength of bending without increasing the maximum strength as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and FIG. 8 shown in the second embodiment described above. Can be made.

  From this, the amount of force when rotating the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 can be increased by the initial amount of force without increasing the maximum amount of force.

  The surface 32 is composed of a plurality of three or more surfaces having different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N. Each time the projection 41 moves between the surfaces, the surface 32 is operated by the operator who rotates the second knob 16. It may be configured to notify the thumb LO of a click feeling and allow the operator to recognize some operation information.

(Fourth embodiment)

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 in the second position of the second knob of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of this endoscope.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the third embodiment is such that only the surface 32 is inclined in the convex portion 31 as compared with the endoscope according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. It differs in that it is formed or chamfered. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, also in the present embodiment, the convex portion 31 moves the second knob 16 in the first movement direction N1 in a state where the projection 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N so that the amount of force required when moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the amount of force required at that time.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the convex portion 31, only the surface 32 is formed in an inclined shape having an angle θ7 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N, or a chamfered portion is formed. Therefore, the surface 33 is not formed on the base end side of the convex portion 31. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

  Even with such a configuration, the protrusion 41 is deformed only by the surface 32, and the reaction force H5 received by the surface 32 from the protrusion 41 is larger than the reaction force H6 received by the surface along the other longitudinal axis direction N (H5). > H6).

  Therefore, the amount of force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is greater than the second knob 16 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Since it is larger than the amount of force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment described above, and it is not necessary to form the surface 33 on the convex portion 31, and therefore the movement The member 30 can be formed at low cost.

(Fifth embodiment)

  FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 in the second position of the second knob of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of this endoscope.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment is different from that of the endoscope according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed.

  Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 41 further moves the second knob 16 in the first movement direction N1 in a state where the protrusion 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N so that the amount of force required for moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the amount of force required for moving.

  As in the first embodiment described above, the amount of force required to move the apex of the second knob 16 (the outermost side of the second knob 16) in the first movement direction N1 is 5 10N is preferable, and the amount of force necessary to move the apex portion of the second knob 16 (the outermost side of the second knob 16) in the second moving direction N2 is 15 to 25N. It is preferable that both have a difference of 10N or more.

  Specifically, in the protrusion 41, a slope 41 having a different shape or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed on the surface 41a on the proximal end side in the longitudinal axis direction N and the surface 41b on the distal end side. .

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 41 has a length of a surface 41 a that is a part that contacts the surface 32 of the convex portion 31 when moving from the second position P2 in the second movement direction N2. The angle θ3 with respect to the axial direction N is larger than the angle θ4 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 41b that is a part that contacts the surface 33 of the convex portion 31 when moving from the first position P1 in the first moving direction N1. It is formed (θ3> θ4).

  Note that θ3 is preferably an angle of 1.3 times or more of θ4. Specifically, θ3 = 50 ° to 75 °, θ4 = 40 ° to 50 °, and more preferable examples include θ3 of approximately 60 ° and θ4 of approximately 45 °.

  Accordingly, when the second knob 16 is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or when the second knob 16 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the convex portion 31 is obtained. Since the moving member 30 moves in the first moving direction N1 or the second moving direction N2 while the protrusion 41 is in contact with the protrusion 41, the protrusion 41 is elastically deformed by the contact surface 32 or the surface 33.

  At this time, since the surface 41a and the surface 41b are formed in different inclined shapes or chamfered shapes, the force for deforming the protrusion 41 is different between the first movement direction N1 and the second movement direction N2. In other words, the reaction forces H7 and H8 that the convex portion 31 receives from the protrusion 41 are different between the first movement direction N1 and the second movement direction N2.

  Specifically, since the surface 41a is formed at a larger inclination angle than the surface 41b, the reaction force H7 received by the surface 32 by the contact of the surface 41a is the reaction force H8 received by the surface 33 by the contact of the surface 41b. (H7> H8), and the force for deforming the protrusion 41 is greater in the second movement direction N2 than in the first movement direction N1.

  That is, the amount of force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is greater than the second knob 16 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It becomes larger than the amount of force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1.

  Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, as in the first embodiment, the convex portion 31 also has an asymmetric shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N. In the present embodiment, since the shape of the protrusion 41 only needs to be different before and after the longitudinal axis direction N, the convex portion 31 may have a symmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N.

  (Sixth embodiment)

  18 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 in the second position of the second knob of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the moving member and protrusion which are located in the same area | region as FIG. 7 in the 1st position of the 2nd knob of this endoscope.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the sixth embodiment is such that the projections are formed in a shape in which the cross section forms an arc as compared with the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 described above. And the difference in the curvature of the cross section before and after the projection in the longitudinal axis direction is different.

  Therefore, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 41 is formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc.

  Further, the curvature V1 of the cross section of the portion 41a that contacts the convex portion 31 when moving in the second movement direction N2 is the curvature of the cross section of the portion 41b that contacts the convex portion 31 when moving in the first movement direction N1. It is formed larger than V2 (V1> V2).

  Other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment described above. Even with such a configuration, the reaction force H9 received by the surface 32 due to the contact of the portion 41a is larger than the reaction force H10 received by the surface 33 due to the contact of the portion 41b (H9> H10). Since the second moving direction N2 is larger than the first moving direction N1, the same effect as in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

  Also in the present embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, since the shape of the protrusion 41 only needs to be different before and after the longitudinal axis direction N, the convex portion 31 is provided before and after the longitudinal axis direction N. You may have a symmetrical shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 4 ... Bending part 6 ... Operation part 6g ... Outer surface of an operation part 11 ... Bending operation knob (1st knob)
16 ... second knob 30 ... moving member (rod)
31 ... Convex part (large diameter part)
32... A portion where the projection of the convex portion contacts when moving in the second moving direction 33... A portion where the protrusion of the convex portion contacts when moving in the first moving direction 41. The part 41b that contacts the convex part of the protrusion when moving to the first part 41b The part that contacts the convex part of the protrusion when moving in the first movement direction C The direction that intersects the longitudinal axis J The longitudinal axis N The longitudinal axis direction ( Direction along the longitudinal axis)
N1: First movement direction N2: Second movement direction O: Rotation operation range P1: First position P2: Second position α1: Angle close to the longitudinal axis direction α2: In a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction Close angle θ1 ... An angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion where the projection contacts when moving in the second moving direction θ2 ... An angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion where the protrusion contacts when moving in the first moving direction The angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the second moving direction θ4... The angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the first moving direction V1... Curvature of the cross section of the part that contacts the convex part of the protrusion when moving in the second moving direction V2 ... Curvature of the cross section of the part that contacts the convex part of the protrusion when moving in the first moving direction

Claims (10)

An insertion portion having a distal end and a proximal end along the longitudinal axis and inserted into the subject from the distal end side;
An operation unit provided on a proximal end side of the insertion unit and gripped by an operator;
A first knob for rotating on the outer surface of the operation portion around a rotation axis intersecting with the longitudinal axis, and for bending the bending portion provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion;
A second knob for rotating at a position adjacent to the first knob and the direction along the rotation axis about the rotation axis and operating a portion other than the bending portion in the insertion portion. When,
A convex portion provided in a moving member that moves back and forth in the direction along the longitudinal axis in accordance with the rotation of the second knob in the operation portion;
A projection that protrudes from a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis within a range in which the convex portion moves in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and a protrusion that elastically contacts with the convex portion;
Have
A direction in which the convex portion moves when the second knob rotates from a first position having an angle close to the direction along the longitudinal axis to a second position having an angle close to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The first direction of movement,
When the direction in which the convex portion moves when the second knob rotates from the second position to the first position is the second movement direction,
In the state where the protrusion and the protrusion are in contact with each other, the protrusion or the protrusion has a second moving direction that is greater than the amount of force required to move the second knob in the first moving direction. An endoscope having an asymmetrical shape before and after the direction along the longitudinal axis so that the amount of force required when moving to the position becomes larger.   The second position is located within a rotation operation range of the first knob operated by a finger of the operator holding the operation unit, and the first position is the first position. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is located outside a rotation operation range of the knob. The moving member is a rod that moves back and forth in the direction along the longitudinal axis in the operation unit,
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is a large-diameter portion in which a part of the rod along the longitudinal axis is thick in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis.   The large-diameter portion is formed with differently shaped slopes before and after the direction along the longitudinal axis, or has a chamfered portion with a different shape before and after the direction along the longitudinal axis. The endoscope according to claim 3.   The large-diameter portion has an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis of a portion that contacts the protrusion when moving from the second position in the second movement direction from the first position to the first position. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the endoscope is formed to have an angle larger than an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis of a portion in contact with the protrusion when moving in the moving direction.   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the large-diameter portion is formed in a shape in which a cross section of a portion with which the protrusion comes into contact is drawn in an arc when moving in the second movement direction.   The protrusion is formed in a slope having a different shape before and after the direction along the longitudinal axis, or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed before and after the direction along the longitudinal axis. The endoscope according to Item 1.   When the protrusion moves in the second movement direction, an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis of a portion that contacts the protrusion is in contact with the protrusion when moving in the first movement direction. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the endoscope is formed larger than an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis. The protrusion is formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc;
The curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the second moving direction is larger than the curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the first moving direction. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is provided.   The second knob includes a mechanism for changing the flexibility of the insertion portion, a mechanism for switching a length of the bending portion, and an optical characteristic of an optical component provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is a knob for operating either a switching mechanism or a mechanism for raising a treatment instrument raising base at the distal end of the endoscope.

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